The Audiolab 8300CD is a versatile digital source component that combines a CD player, standalone DAC, and digital preamplifier in a single chassis. Built around the ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC chip — a 32-bit design using 512 individual DAC elements running at 84.672MHz — it upsamples all digital audio sources to this frequency regardless of their original sample rate. The 8300CD improves on its 8200CD predecessor with the addition of an AES/EBU digital input, an XLR digital output, and USB connectivity now extended to 32-bit/384kHz PCM with DSD compatibility. A slot-loading CD mechanism, borrowed in principle from car audio systems, offers reliable disc handling and a useful reduction in the disc rejection issues that can affect conventional tray-loading transports. This example has been fully checked by Andrew prior to listing and is supplied with the original remote control.
Condition: Grade B — Clean
This unit presents very well overall, with only minor marks to the top panel. Please refer to our photographs for a full assessment of cosmetic condition.
Key Features
- ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC — a 32-bit reference-grade converter chip using HyperStream architecture and ESS’s Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology to achieve low noise and high dynamic range
- CATDA (Cascaded Asynchronous Time Domain Attenuator) circuit — a three-stage isolation system designed to protect the DAC substrate from timing artefacts introduced by non-synchronous digital input data
- Slot-loading CD transport with a read-ahead digital buffer, allowing playback of some scratched or marked discs that a conventional tray mechanism might reject
- Seven user-selectable digital filters for PCM playback (including three Optimal Transient variants, Sharp Roll Off, and Slow Roll Off), allowing the listener to tune the player’s character to taste
- Extensive digital connectivity: two coaxial and two optical digital inputs, one AES/EBU input, and one asynchronous USB input accepting up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD via computer
- Digital outputs via coaxial, optical, and XLR, allowing the 8300CD to function as a high-quality transport for an external DAC
- Both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Can function as a digital preamplifier, allowing direct connection to a power amplifier without a separate line preamp stage
- Sophisticated internal power supply with 34 regulated supply rails, including 14 ultra-low-noise regulators, alongside discrete transistor analogue output stages in place of op-amps
- 12V trigger output for system integration
- 2.7″ POLED display (128 x 64 pixels) for clear visibility of track, filter, and input information
- Supplied with the original Audiolab remote control, allowing full control of transport, filter selection, and input switching from the listening position
Technical Specifications
(Source: Audiolab manufacturer specifications / Hi-Fi Choice)
- Type: CD player / DAC / digital preamplifier
- DAC: ESS Sabre32 9018
- Resolution: 32-bit
- Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial/AES — 32kHz to 192kHz; USB — 32kHz to 384kHz (PCM), DSD64/128/256
- CD Mechanism: Slot-loading
- Digital Inputs: 2x coaxial, 2x optical (Toslink), 1x AES/EBU, 1x USB (PC)
- Digital Outputs: 1x coaxial, 1x optical, 1x XLR
- Analogue Outputs: 1x stereo RCA, 1x stereo XLR (balanced)
- Display: 2.7″ POLED, 128 x 64 pixels
- 12V Trigger: Yes
- Finish: Fine textured aluminium, black
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 444 x 80 x 317mm
- Weight: 6kg
- Country of Origin: Designed in the UK, manufactured in China
- Year of Production: 2019 onwards
- Remote Control: Included
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
The Audiolab 8300CD is a genuinely versatile digital source, equally capable as a CD player, a standalone DAC for external digital sources, and a digital preamplifier feeding a power amplifier directly. Its comprehensive connectivity and ESS Sabre32 DAC make it a strong choice for those looking to consolidate several digital functions into one well-specified unit. This example is in clean condition with only minor marks to the top panel and is supplied with the original remote control. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
